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That’s the impression I had, too. They originally started as a hardware manufacturer, and then gradually transitioned into drums. Their earlier kits were, in a sense, all “Custom Shop” models, but as demand increased, manufacturing techniques changed out of necessity. The later introduction of the Ensenada-built PDP line may have contributed a bit to the perceived drop in quality.

While I’ve known about DW for a long time, my first and only experience playing a U.S.-made DW kit came about four years ago  it was rented for a gig through an event producer. I was really impressed with it.

Well, I ventured into our local a music store last week, and they had some DW's there (although none were actually set up). They were stacked on top of each other and the sales guy said I could hit 'em to hear their sound if I wanted to. He did tell me to keep in mind, that these drums had not been touched (i.e tuned) as they just took them out of their boxes and stacked'em up for display. I grabbed a 12" rack tom and hit with a stick and to me it sounded like a drum that hadn't been touched, and it sounded like crap!! The sales guy said something like, man hear that sound! Remember, these drums are just the way they came from DW! I just kinda looked at him and smiled, but I was thinking, yeah man, I get it! Now, this drum was also very heavy and in my opinion, way overbuilt. I mentioned this to the sales guy just to see what he would say. He said, if you buy a set of these, they will last a lifetime. I said, if you take care of them, pretty much any quality drum kit will last a lifetime. He did agree with me. I would still love to hear some DW's that were set up and properly tuned. Now in all fairness, the sales guy did say that he thought DW's were overpriced and that he thought they did sound good but perhaps not $4K, good. My guess is that they probably do sound great! But, when the rest of the band fires up, can the average Joe tell the difference between a $4,000 set of DW's vs. a $1500 set of some other brand?

Its all about the Shells and how substantial the hardware is. I've been schooled on Drums that either have Jasper or Keller shells! The Better the Wood the more options for tuning the heads, you would not like to crank-up heads on a plywood drum shell. I think DW is second to Tama when it comes to pedals, hi-hat and cymbal stands but thats just my opinion!

Interesting Froggy, and a great point about tuning up the heads with plywood shells!

Have to admit, I've never heard of Jasper or Keller shells before in my life. I'm guessing it's great stuff!

Also interesting is your take on the hardware. I kinda thought the DW hardware was second to none, but then again, I've never tried it. I can tell you that DW appears to be just as pricy on their hardware as they are with their drums.

"Have to admit, I've never heard of Jasper or Keller shells before in my life."

Jasper is out of business. They were actually a wood products company not dedicated to the musical instrument industry. They are mostly known for making the much loved shells for Gretsch since the 1960's or maybe earlier. For collectability, a Gretsch drum with a Jasper shell is more desirable than the current shells (not sure who makes them for Gretsch now.) The shells were 6 plys of a combination of Maple and "Gumwood" whatever that is. Jasper also made shells for Fibes and some others I think.

Keller is the big producer now and they make shells for MANY manufacturers and independent drum makers as well.

Another thing about drum hardware is how often does one change heads. I change mine once a year around dec/jan. and not because they are wore out but it makes the drums like new! When you're doing heads you will notice how good the tension rods are made and differences between the brands. This gives me a good idea how the overall hardware is designed and made!

I've only played one DW kit in my life (my drummer friend owns two or three kits plus a Pearl kit) and I love the drums and the overall sound - I just don't have the thousands of dollars to purchase a set (and nowhere to put them, either!)

burtonfan, I hear ya! Doesn't really matter if they sound great or not, I really can't afford them either. There was a time when I was thinking, that if they just sounded awesome, I would borrow some money....but I really hate doing that.

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